In my first blog post (written what seems like both eons and mere days ago), I emphasized the role that uncertainty plays in becoming a more active learner and better scientist. Instead of shying away from uncertainty, I expected to become comfortable with it, to the point that when I left BSURF, I would do so with a greater appreciation for challenges and my own capabilities.
Indeed, over the course of the program, I found myself in situations that ultimately strengthened my resolve about my academic and professional goals. Through the faculty talks, the chalk talks, the grad/MSTP student panel, and the poster sessions, I was able to hear about only a fraction of the science going on around me here at Duke. While the thought is a little overwhelming when it comes to the breadth of opportunities for engaging said science, it’s also heartening. I have been able to narrow down what concepts I want to continue to investigate, the types of questions I want to ask, and the community I want to be surrounded by. Thanks to my time in my lab, I have learned some of the technical skills that will enable my scientific pursuits and furthered my comprehension of cell biology. As such, I greatly appreciate my time in BSURF and hope to continue this growth throughout the rest of my time at Duke.
